A workers compensation claim
is not a personal injury claim. If you are injured on the job your
are NOT entitled to damages for pain and suffering and emotion distress. You
are, however, entitled to benefits and those benefits if handled properly
should cover all of your medical expenses. You may also be entitled
to compensation for wages that you are not earning while you are injured. There
are also some additional incidental benefits that you may be entitled to. Finally
you are entitled to money for how significantly permanent your injury is.

As a system workers compensation
can be very confusing to the average worker. Attorneys can help make
sense of this complicated system and they can help you maximize your benefits. In
the end this should benefit both you and your family.

Type of Law and Insurance Requirements

In Florida, workers' compensation
is compulsory, but some waivers are permitted. There is no state fund. Employers
may insure through private carriers, self-insurance, or through groups
of employers. There is an exemption for employers with fewer than 4 employees.

Coverage of Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers are covered,
except those performing agricultural labor on a farm in the employ of a
bona fide farmer or association of farmers, employing less than 5 regular
employees and less than 12 other employees at one time for seasonal employment
in less than 30 days, provided such seasonal employment does not exceed
45 days in the same calendar year.

Coverage of Domestic Employees

Employers are permitted to provide
voluntary coverage.

Medical Benefits

Provides full medical benefits
initially. After maximum medical improvement is reached, a $10 patient copayment
is required for all medical services.

Benefits for Temporary Total
Disability (TTD)

The percentage of worker's
wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, the minimum is $20 or actual wage
if less, and the maximum is $782, 100% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments
is 104 weeks. WC benefits are subject to Social Security and UI benefit
offsets.

Benefits for Permanent Total
Disability (PTD)

The percentage of worker's
wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, the minimum is $20 or actual wage
if less, and the maximum is $782, 100% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments
is the duration of disability. WC benefits are subject to Social Security
and UI benefit offsets.

Benefits for Permanent Partial
Disability (PPD)

The percentage of worker's
wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, there is no minimum and the maximum
is $782, 100% of SAWW. For non-scheduled injuries, the maximum period
of payments is 364 weeks, and the maximum payment amount is $284,648. Benefits
are paid according to a wage loss formula, rather than a statutory schedule,
subject to a maximum of 364 weeks of compensation for disability greater
than 24%. Wage loss benefits are based on actual wages lost and are not
subject to a minimum. Wage loss is equal to 80% of the difference between
80% of the employee's average monthly wage and the wage the employee
is able to earn after reaching maximum medical improvement, provided the
monthly wage loss benefits shall not exceed 66 2/3 percent of the employee's
average monthly wage at the time of injury. WC benefits are subject to Social
Security and UI benefit offsets.

Disfigurement Benefits

Florida law covers disfigurements
that are "Serious facial or head". Benefits are $250 for each
percent of permanent impairment of the body as a whole from 1 to 10 percent;
and $500 for each percent in excess of 10 percent.

FREE CONSULTATION - NO
RECOVERY/NO FEE

In a system which treats injured
employees as statistics and risk management. We treat our clients
with the dignity and respect they deserve!